Chinese president calls for stronger cooperation with Canada

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Canadian Governor General David Johnston in Beijing on Thursday, urging both countries to expand cooperation in such areas as trade, law enforcement, technology and culture, and launch negotiations on a free trade agreement at an early date.

Xi called on both sides to respect each other’s core interests and major concerns to boost progress of the China-Canada strategic partnership.

Calling China and Canada important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Xi said they enjoy common interests and broad cooperation prospects in their national development and response to global challenges.

The sound momentum of China-Canada ties has brought concrete benefits to the two peoples, and promoted the peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific and the world, he said.

China hopes to maintain high-level exchanges with Canada, make use of dialogue mechanisms among various levels, and expand exchanges between government departments, legislative bodies and parties, Xi said.